Skip to main content

CE reveals UK construction machine sales fluctuation

UK exports and imports of construction and earthmoving equipment saw fluctuations in demand during 2016 according to the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). The latest CEA report shows that UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment showed a modest increase in the fourth quarter of 2016. However the sales ended the year at 1.8% lower than 2015 in weight terms (tonnage of machines), and 7.4% lower in value terms. The USA remained the top destination for exports, but saw reductions of over 20%
February 23, 2017 Read time: 3 mins
UK exports and imports of construction and earthmoving equipment saw fluctuations in demand during 2016 according to the 3418 Construction Equipment Association (CEA). The latest CEA report shows that UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment showed a modest increase in the fourth quarter of 2016. However the sales ended the year at 1.8% lower than 2015 in weight terms (tonnage of machines), and 7.4% lower in value terms. The USA remained the top destination for exports, but saw reductions of over 20% in 2016 in weight and £ value terms. In contrast, exports to EU territories showed significant increases in 2016, and accounted for 48% of total weight of machines exported compared with 40% in 2015.

Imports of equipment showed reductions in the fourth quarter, and resulted in 2016 showing an 8.9% reduction on 2015 in weight terms, and a 3.3% reduction in value. This returned imports to below 2014 levels after two years of growth.

The UK remains a net exporter of construction and earthmoving equipment, measured in both weight and value terms. In 2016, the trade surplus increased by 5.7% on 2015 in weight terms, but declined by 11.7% in value.

UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment showed a modest increase in the fourth quarter of 2016, ending a year of relative stability. Measured in terms of machine weight (tonnes), exports showed a 5.5% increase in Oct/Dec, and returned to similar levels as Apr/Jun. However, compared with Oct/Dec 2015, exports showed a 9.5% increase. For 2016 overall, exports were 530,000tonnes, representing a modest 1.8% reduction on 2015 levels. This continues a declining trend year-on-year since 2013. The fall in the value of the UK currency in the middle of 2016 following the Brexit referendum, has not had any significant impact on stimulating export volumes.

UK imports of construction and earthmoving equipment showed an 8.9% reduction in 2016, at a level of 255,000tonnes. This returned imports to levels below 2014, after two years of growth. The quarterly “pattern” of imports in 2016 was similar to 2015, with a peak in Apr/Jun, and a decline to a “low” in Oct/Dec. The figures for the fourth quarter of 2016 were the same as for the fourth quarter in 2015.

The UK remains a net exporter of construction and earthmoving equipment, measured in weight terms. The trade surplus increased in Oct/Dec 2016 to just over 82,000tonnes, the highest quarter since 2014, and in 2016 as a whole, increased to 274,000tonnes, 5.7% up on 2015.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • UK construction machine sales strong says CEA
    March 9, 2018
    According to the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment remain healthy. The figures show that sales continued on a strong upward trend in the last quarter of 2017, showing growth for the fifth consecutive quarter. Machine exports in Q4 2017 showed an 8% increase on Q3 levels, at £780 million; the highest for over three years. A strong finish to 2017 resulted in total exports showing a 22.7% increase on 2016 levels at £2.9 billion. UK equipment
  • UK construction equipment exports falling, says CEA
    December 8, 2016
    UK exports of components and parts significantly fell in the third quarter by total weight (down 33.5%) and value (down 20.5%), compared with Q2. The report from the Construction Equipment Association provides an update on quarterly exports and imports of components and parts. Data is taken from the UK government’s official trade statistics and is available in tonnage and monetary value of machinery and component parts (products). Products included are buckets and attachments, blades, parts for boring or
  • Strong performance for UK construction machinery segment
    September 12, 2022
    The UK has recorded a strong performance the UK construction machinery segment.
  • UK equipment sales continue upward trend
    February 4, 2022
    UK construction equipment sales showed a 48% increase in 2021 compared with 2020.